Other related coverage

Bryce McGain has one thing in common with Clint Eastwood, Matt
Damon and Morgan Freeman. They're all having their first taste of
Test cricket at Newlands.

McGain's drama-charged debut - amid the backdrop of a bomb scare
- came with the Hollywood heavyweights in town to film a movie
about Nelson Mandela uniting South Africa via the 1995 rugby World
Cup. All three are expected to visit a ground where, more than
once, the following words will be heard: "Bowled, Magoo."

The McGain refrain came sooner than expected after Australia was
rolled for 209 on day one of the third Test. Captain Ricky Ponting,
vice-captain Michael Clarke and Peter Siddle all made ducks as a
decent 58-run start from openers Phillip Hughes (33) and Simon
Katich (55) went to waste.

Resurgent South African speedster Dale Steyn (4-56) finished
with the most dynamic figures but in truth, Makhaya Ntini (2-38)
and Paul Harris (3-54) were the most consistently dangerous with
ball in hand.

South Africa negotiated 14 overs before stumps, finishing 0-57.
Having bleated long and loud about not wanting to open, Ashwell
Prince motored to 37 while Test debutant Imraan Khan compiled a
more circumspect 15 .

Australia's Mitchell Johnson, having been the most lethal fast
bowler of the first two Tests, conceded 20 runs in an over as the
Proteas took a stranglehold on the day's play. Johnson was taken
out of the attack after just three overs, the scoreboard having
0-24 next to his name.

McGain come on at 5.51pm. The Proteas were 0-44. His first ball
in Test cricket landed on a good length and was played with
respect. Prince hit McGain's second ball for six over long-on with
less respect. His first over went for 10 runs. His next was more
promising and tidy. He went to stumps with 0-11 from his opening
two Test overs.

Staff at Newlands said the ground had been swarmed upon by
security on Tuesday night because of a bomb scare. Staff claimed
bomb defusal experts were called to deal with a suspicious package
in a garbage bin near the nets where both sides were due to train
the next day.

It was treated as a serious situation, with the area cordoned
off for hours - but it turned out to be a false alarm.

McGain's elevation to Test cricket was confirmed the moment
Marcus North was rushed to hospital. North's food-related gastro
became so bad he spent Wednesday night on a drip before being ruled
out of the third Test against South Africa.

With Australia having tempted fate by touring without a reserve
batsman, McGain was given a baggy green cap, wicketkeeper Haddin
was called upon to fill North's no.6 batting position and the onus
was on allrounder Andrew McDonald to start scoring a few runs.

North was still in hospital, still on the drip, when play began
at Newlands. He was expected to be released later in the day.
McGain, who turns 37 next week, became the oldest Test debutant
since Bob "Dutchy" Holland made his first appearance at the age of
38.

"Bowled, Warnie,' became a catchcry via stump microphones during
the exalted career of Shane Warne. Coming up, given McGain's
nickname, the references will be towards Mr Magoo.

Katich was dropped by Khan at backward point off Makhaya Ntini.
Khan's first touch as a Test player had been attempting a run out,
but conceding four overthrows. Another debutant, Albie Morkel,
claimed a dream first wicket, having Ponting caught behind for a
duck.

Australia lost 2-1 following Hughes' LBW to Paul Harris. It
appeared Katich wanted Hughes to refer the decision to the video
umpire, but Hughes kept walking.

Clarke clean missed a delivery from Dale Steyn that hit the top
of off stump. Hussey, having pulled successive fours to pass 3000
Test runs, played Steyn on. Hussey and Clarke departed without a
run being added, Australia hobbling at 4-81.

Katich had benefitted from an LBW that would have been reversed
had the Proteas referred it to the video, and a couple of inside
edges that missed his stumps by millimetres, but he did what he is
paid to do - survive.

It was previously unheard of for an Australian side to leave
home without a reserve batsman. Incumbent players needed to feel
under pressure to retain their places. And a front-line specialist
could break a finger, suffer any sort of injury - be hospitalised
with gastro, even - without Australia having enough time to fly in
a replacement.

Offspinner Nathan Hauritz was named 12th man. Four years ago,
Hauritz made his debut in India under similar circumstances.
Hauritz was touring India to gain experience but the intention had
been, if Shane Warne became unavailable, to fly Stuart MacGill to
India to play. Warne broke his thumb batting in the nets without
padding in his gloves, and was ruled out at 10pm the day before the
fourth and final Test. Hauritz had to play.

Including Brett Geeves and Steve Magoffin, Australia have had 16
players at their disposal in South Africa - and still no reserve
batsman.

McDonald has been billed as an allrounder since his introduction
to Australia's premier XI but while his bowling has done the trick,
his first three Tests had landed him an average of 8.66.

Now he had the chance, and responsibility, to show what he had
with the blade, but made just 13. Johnson contributed a crackling
35 to hint at a need for him to bat higher than McDonald -
permanently.

Other related coverage

1237055043269-theage.com.auhttp://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/cricket/proteas-in-control-on-first-day-in-cape-town/2009/03/20/1237055043269.htmltheage.com.auThe Age2009-03-20Proteas in control on first day in Cape TownWill Swanton, Cape TownSportCrickethttp://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2009/03/20/GAL_TEST3_SS1_wideweb__470x305,0.jpg